Chapter I

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

be in accord; be in agreement

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

(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 The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

a youthful male person

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

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

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

the protruding part of the lower jaw

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

anything that covers or conceals

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

travel across or pass over

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

(of hair) making curls or having been made to curl

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

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

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

start firing a weapon

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

not easily irritated

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

a frame of iron bars to hold a fire

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

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

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

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

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

a narrow way or road

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

British actress (born in Canada) (1898-1989)

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

in an anxiously nervous manner

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

not any; not one

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Lillie sat on the floor in front of the grate, her chin on her hands, her eyes fixed on the bright fire.

on one occasion

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

the property of making no sound

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

shedding tears

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

up to a particular time

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

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

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

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

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

precisely as stated

From this reading The children had all been very eager about the new governess.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

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

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Frank was watching the door, in a very unnatural sort of quietness for a boy, with Tan curled up at his feet; and Jennie was nervously tearing off the corners of her book, since it had grown too dark to read it, thinking that Miss Lane was a very long time in taking off her cloak.

showing curiosity

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.

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

From this reading In short, there had been no end to their wonderings; but they could not agree, and so sat waiting full of curiosity till she should come down stairs.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading They had sat full three minutes at a time, more than once, discoursing about her, wondering whether she was young or old, whether she was pretty or ugly, and whether she was cross or good-tempered.