Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

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

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

to grip, cut off, or tear with or as if with the teeth or jaws

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

a young person of either sex

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

dearly loved

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

plural of “episode” — a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

full of events or incidents

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

by good fortune

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

a long, loose outer garment

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

the mother of your father or mother

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

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

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

the lack of knowledge or education

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

go away from a place

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

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

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

an adulterous woman; a woman who has an ongoing extramarital sexual relationship with a man

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

a particular point in time

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

a city in northeastern France in Lorraine

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

in such a manner as could not be otherwise

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

a child's room for a baby

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

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

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

very light colored; highly diluted with white

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

past form of “persist” — continue to exist

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

plural of “prank” — acting like a clown or buffoon

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

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

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

A place of safety, refuge, or holy retreat within the academy.

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

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

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

a temporary stay (e.g., as a guest)

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

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

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

causing extreme terror

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

English actress (1847-1928)

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

plural of “thumb” — the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

up to a particular time

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

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

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

precisely as stated

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

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

From this reading Fortunately the house was big and the walls were thick, and sounds must needs be very loud indeed to penetrate to Madam's sanctuary, if care were taken to keep them from reaching her ears.

(usually of children) someone who behaves in a manner that the speaker believes is correct

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

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

From this reading She had suffered enough from their pranks in the summer, and she must now be allowed to believe that they were grown as serious and as quietly-behaved as any old people.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading Nurse Nancy had persisted in carrying out her determination to leave her dear mistress in peaceful ignorance of whatever terrifying episodes might develop during the sojourn of the children in the house.

at the time that

From this reading UP THE CHIMNEY Granny had little idea of what an eventful morning it had been when the children came to her in the afternoon, looking so nice and well-behaved, as if they had done nothing but bite their little thumbs in the nursery from the moment of their getting up till tea-time.

a Caucasian

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.

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

From this reading When Terry appeared as usual in her white frock, with her little blue silk work-bag, and with what Nurse Nancy called her "Mary" face, Granny said to herself that the child was a sweet little lady; but remarked that Terry looked pale.