Chapter IX

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

(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 That partly explained to them her detestation of all mother-in-law jokes.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

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

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

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

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

put or send forth

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

generosity as manifested by practicing charity (as for the poor or unfortunate)

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

the time of person's life when they are a child

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

performance of moral or religious acts

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

hate coupled with disgust

From this reading That partly explained to them her detestation of all mother-in-law jokes.

plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

increased in extent or size or bulk or scope

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading That partly explained to them her detestation of all mother-in-law jokes.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

highest in quality

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

comparative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

marked by or causing boisterous merriment or convulsive laughter

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

beguiling but harmful

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

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

From this reading That partly explained to them her detestation of all mother-in-law jokes.

the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

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

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

engage in

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

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

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

the mother of your spouse

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading That partly explained to them her detestation of all mother-in-law jokes.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

and nothing more

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

deprived of parents by death or desertion

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

above and across; more than

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

inflected form of “overcome” — win a victory over

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading That partly explained to them her detestation of all mother-in-law jokes.

a human being

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

established beyond doubt

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

bringing about salvation or redemption from sin

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

recurring again and again

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

express in words

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

a painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

a male human offspring

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

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

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

express gratitude or show appreciation to

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading That partly explained to them her detestation of all mother-in-law jokes.

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

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

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

up to a particular time

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

precisely as stated

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

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

From this reading It was as if, set free from the fear and shame of the summer, her life expanded in all directions to make room for the three great loves that came to her--the first and greatest, her redeeming husband, the second, her little son, and the third her mother-in-law, who overcame her by the most insidious kindness, by such a simplicity that the charitableness of her deeds became apparent only upon later reflection.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

at the time that

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

which person or people

From this reading She would never try to conceal her contempt for any low person--proved low by the very act--who repeated one in her hearing.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

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

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading She had never realized until that winter what a shadow her mother’s tragedy had cast over her childhood--until she came to live among the hilarious young McLaughlins.

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading Chirstie used to say afterwards, when Wully’s younger orphaned brothers and sisters would try to thank her for making her home their own, that she had never spent a happier winter in her life than the one during which she lived with her mother-in-law.