used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
any person at all
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
avoidedverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪd/
past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
BILLIARDadjectiveUS /ˈbɪljərd/
of or relating to billiards
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
Billiard's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
a youthful male person
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
cousinsnounUS /ˈkʌzənz/
plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
deportmentnounUS /dəˈpɔːrtmənt/
(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
discoveringverbUS /dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/
-ing form of “discover” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
eagle-eyedadjective
capable of seeing to a great distance
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
divisible by two
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
a military campaign designed to achieve a specific objective in a foreign country
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
frightnounUS /fraɪt/
an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
Gloriana
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
growledverbUS /ɡraʊld/
past form of “growl” — to utter or emit low dull rumbling sounds
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
ignoredadjectiveUS /ˌɪɡˈnɔːrd/
disregarded
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
marked by a lack of interest
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
injuredadjectiveUS /ˈɪndʒərd/
harmed
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
leafnounUS /liːf/
the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
engage in
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
memorableadjectiveUS /ˈmemərəbəl/
worth remembering
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
make reference to
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
a state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
not any; not one
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
noticeableadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəsəbəl/
capable or worthy of being noticed
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
plightnounUS /plaɪt/
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
determined
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
runawaynounUS /ˈrʌnəweɪ/
an easy victory
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
except for; apart from
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
sincereadjectiveUS /sɪnˈsɪr/
open and genuine; not deceitful
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
sinsnounUS /sɪnz/
plural of “sin” — estrangement from god
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
SURRENDERSnounUS /sərˈendərz/
plural of “surrender” — acceptance of despair
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
Tabitha
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
Toadynoun
a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
Toady's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
tormentedadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːrmentɪd/
experiencing intense pain especially mental pain
From this reading His cousins avoided him, Tabitha ignored him, Toady tormented him, and even Gloriana seemed indifferent to his plight.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading In his fright at discovering himself lost on the desert at night, he had resolved to follow Toady's example and turn over a new leaf.
twitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He could not quite make up his mind to confess his sins to eagle-eyed Tabitha, but was really sincere in his desire to do better; and was as surprised as he was disappointed to find that no one paid any attention to the sudden change in his deportment.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
at the time that
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading BILLIARD SURRENDERS Toady kept his promise not to mention Billiard's runaway expedition to anyone else save Gloriana; but being human, he could not keep from twitting his brother occasionally, and the days which followed that memorable night were full of misery for the unhappy boy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading "Might as well have kept on being bad," he growled with an injured air one afternoon when a fortnight had passed without any noticeable change in the atmosphere.
