used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
(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 It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
a youthful male person
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
calendarnounUS /ˈkæləndər/
a system of timekeeping that defines the beginning and length and divisions of the year
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
characteristicsnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪks/
plural of “characteristic” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading Nor were their characteristics less diverse.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
CLAUS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
commencementnounUS /kəˈmensmənt/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
courageousadjectiveUS /kərˈeɪdʒəs/
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
inflected form of “creep” — move slowly; in the case of people or animals with the body near the ground
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
deep-setadjective
having a sunken area
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
dirknounUS /dɜːrk/
a relatively long dagger with a straight blade
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
diverseadjectiveUS /daɪˈvɜːrs/
many and different
From this reading Nor were their characteristics less diverse.
being one more than seven
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
exercisesnounUS /ˈeksərsaɪzəz/
plural of “exercise” — the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
flocknounUS /flɑːk/
a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
yet to be or coming
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
a young female
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
heterogeneousadjectiveUS /ˌhetərəˈdʒiːnjəs/
consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
hornnounUS /hɔːrn/
a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
indicatingverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
Jane's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
kleptomanianoun
an irresistible impulse to steal in the absence of any economic motive
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Nor were their characteristics less diverse.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Nor were their characteristics less diverse.
normaladjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrməl/
conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
outweighingverbUS /ˈaʊtweɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “outweigh” — be heavier than
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
pathologicallyadverbUS /ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkli/
with respect to pathology
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
profaneadjectiveUS /proʊˈfeɪn/
characterized by profanity or cursing
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
rangingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪndʒɪŋ/
wandering freely
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
rehearsalnounUS /rɪˈhɜːrsəl/
a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
SANTAnounUS /ˈsæntə/
the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
schoolhousenounUS /ˈskuːlhaʊs/
a building where young people receive education
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
SPRINGTIMEnounUS /ˈsprɪŋtaɪm/
the season of growth
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
successive (without a break)
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
suggestingverbUS /səˈdʒestɪŋ/
-ing form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
tendenciesnounUS /ˈtendənsiz/
plural of “tendency” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Nor were their characteristics less diverse.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading But far outweighing these were the straight, courageous bearing and the tender faces of normal promise.
thirty-fiveadjectiveUS /ˈθɜːrdifaɪv/
being five more than thirty
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
push forcefully
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
tobacco-chewing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
trousersnounUS /ˈtraʊzərz/
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
turbulentadjectiveUS /ˈtɜːrbjələnt/
characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
twenty-ninenoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-eight and one
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A SPRINGTIME SANTA CLAUS As May crept up the calendar the little schoolhouse became the center of increased activity: commencement exercises were under daily rehearsal and the light of excited interest shone in every face.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The tobacco-chewing, profane boy was there, with a stolen dirk thrust into his trousers' band, suggesting a turbulent future; and the girl, with the narrow forehead and close, deep-set eyes, was there, pathologically indicating tendencies to kleptomania.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading It was a heterogeneous flock which had answered the call of Jane's horn eight months before: twenty-nine in all, ranging from children of eight to a woman of thirty-five.
