Chapter XV · The 4 Corners

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

state capital of New York; located in eastern New York State on the west bank of the Hudson river

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

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

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

inflected form of “blow” — exhale hard

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

lacking funds

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

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

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

obvious to the eye or mind

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

plural of “glory” — a state of high honor

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

inflected form of “hem” — fold over and sew together to provide with a hem

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

given to inquiry

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

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

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Why it was painted thus no one knows.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading Why it was painted thus no one knows.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

letters inscribed (especially words engraved or carved) on something

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

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

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

not any; not one

From this reading Why it was painted thus no one knows.

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

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

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

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

superlative of “old” — (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Why it was painted thus no one knows.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

coated with paint

From this reading Why it was painted thus no one knows.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

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

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

To recall to mind.

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

a message that helps you remember something

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

continued in your keeping or use or memory

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

a partly sheltered anchorage

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

capital of the state of Illinois

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

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

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

carry out

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

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

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

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

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Why it was painted thus no one knows.

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

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

create by training and teaching

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

precisely as stated

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

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

From this reading Why it was painted thus no one knows.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

at the time that

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

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

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

a Caucasian

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

which person or people

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

belonging to which person

From this reading It is a reminder of past glories, and gives the Corners a kind of distinction, the people think, and they are very proud of their figure “4” and the sign-post, although few come there now inquiring the way to Albany, or other towns whose names are upon the board.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Why it was painted thus no one knows.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading It has been there since the oldest inhabitant can remember, and when a high wind blew the post down and broke it another was put in its place and the old board retained.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Those who have lived on the mountain roads between Springfield and Albany, have heard of THE 4 CORNERS, famous for the sign-post with its white lettering on a black background, the figure “4” large and conspicuous in the centre, instead of the word itself.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Should you wish to visit “The 4 Corners” on a summer morning, take a Boston and Albany train for the way station, Millville, a town hemmed in by hills which look like mountains, and mountains which seem no higher than the hills.