Chapter X · Chapter 10

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

lighted up by or as by fire or flame

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

keenly excited (especially sexually) or indicating excitement

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

open to or abounding in fresh air

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

(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 All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

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

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

plural of “aster” — any of various chiefly fall-blooming herbs of the genus Aster with showy daisylike flowers

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

plural of “barren” — an uninhabited wilderness that is worthless for cultivation

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

next to; at the side of

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

any of several vines of the genera Convolvulus and Calystegia having a twining habit

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

the organic process of bearing flowers

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

-ing form of “burgeon” — grow and flourish

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

plural of “butterfly” — diurnal insect typically having a slender body with knobbed antennae and broad colorful wings

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

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

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

a digestible substance used to give color to food

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

plural of “cornstalk” — the stalk of a corn plant

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

plural of “cover” — a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

a flock of coots

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

wood of any of various cypress trees especially of the genus Cupressus

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

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

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

plural of “ditch” — a long narrow excavation in the earth

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

at any time

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

having lost freshness or brilliance of color

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

plural of “fence” — a barrier that serves to enclose an area

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

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

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

any plant of the genus Gerardia

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

a young female

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

someone who devotes himself completely

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

coins made of gold

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

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

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

plural of “gum” — a preparation (usually made of sweetened chicle) for chewing

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

relating to or associated with an empire

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

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

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

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

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

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

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

plural of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

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

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

set down according to a plan

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

a girl or young woman who is unmarried

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

immediately past

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

march in a procession

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

unhurried and relaxed

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

the month following September and preceding November

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

plural of “pine” — a coniferous tree

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

a light shade of red

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

a purple color or pigment

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

plural of “riot” — a public act of violence by an unruly mob

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

a long thin implement made of metal or wood

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

yellowwood tree with brittle wood and aromatic leaves and bark; source of sassafras oil; widely distributed in eastern North America

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

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

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

(used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

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

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

English poet and critic (1909-1995)

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

not moving or operating freely

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

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

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

wood of a sumac

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

the rays of the sun

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

plural of “swamp” — low land that is seasonally flooded; has more woody plants than a marsh and better drainage than a bog

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

plural of “swing” — a state of steady vigorous action that is characteristic of an activity

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

a twisted and tangled mass that is highly interwoven

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

the act of diluting something

From this reading Asters of imperial purple, golden rod fit for kings' scepters, march along with her in ever thinning ranks; the great bindweed covers fences and clambers up dying cornstalks; and in many a covert and beside the open ditches the Gerardia swings her pink and airy bells.

having come into contact

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading October is not sere and sorrowful with us, but a ruddy and deep-bosomed lass, a royal and free-hearted spender and giver of gifts.

a Caucasian

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

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

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A LITTLE GIRL GROWN UP Summer stole out a-tiptoe, and October had come among the live-oaks and the pines, and touched the wide marshes and made them brown, and laid her hand upon the barrens and the cypress swamps and set them aflame with scarlet and gold.

ubiquitous strong-scented mat-forming Eurasian herb of wasteland, hedgerow or pasture having narrow serrate leaves and small usually white florets; widely naturalized in North America

From this reading All down the brown roads white lady's-lace and yarrow and the stiff purple iron-weed have leaped into bloom; under its faded green coat the sugar-cane shows purple; and sumac and sassafras and gums are afire.

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

From this reading The year's last burgeoning of butterflies riots, a tangle of rainbow coloring, dancing in the mellow sunshine.