Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

(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 With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

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

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

a container that is usually woven and has handles

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

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

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

next to; at the side of

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

conspicuously new

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

plural of “bundle” — a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

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

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

a slight indication

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

plural of “crank” — a bad-tempered person

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

delicately beautiful

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

A means of altering one's appearance to conceal one's identity.

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

an upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

closed in or surrounded or included within

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

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

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

any of various leafy plants or their leaves and stems eaten as vegetables

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

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

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

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

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

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

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

plural of “joke” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

past form of “lurk” — lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

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

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

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

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

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

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

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

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

so unreasonable as to invite derision

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

plural of “novice” — someone who has entered a religious order but has not taken final vows

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

plural of “offering” — something offered (as a proposal or bid)

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

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

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

and nothing more

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

plural of “quip” — a witty saying

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

wrongfully emptied or stripped of anything of value

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

an established ceremony prescribed by a religion

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

aromatic substances of vegetable origin used as a preservative

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

distinguish oneself

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

trying something to find out about it

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

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

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

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

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

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

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

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

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

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

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

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

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

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

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading For the next week, mystery lurked in every corner of the McAlister house.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Gifts simple and elaborate, hoary jokes and brand-new ones, quips and cranks of every description, were enclosed in the bundles which went into the shabby old basket, and the only clue to the possible contents of the bundles lay in the fact that, the older the joke, the more fresh and dainty was its outward disguise.

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

From this reading If the Christmas spirit of happiness and good-will were the true test, the McAlisters lived up to the full tradition of the day.

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

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.

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

From this reading The basket stood in a deep bay-window; beside it on an easel was the portrait of the children's own mother, placed there and wreathed in Christmas greens by Mrs. McAlister's own hands.

a late time of life

From this reading With three novices to be trained in their Christmas rite, Hope and Theodora and Hubert felt that this basket must surpass all those of previous years, and they ransacked their brains, their house, and the shops for the jokes and nonsensical offerings which added spice to their simple presents.