used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
adornedadjectiveUS /əˈdɔːrnd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
(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 If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/
pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
basketfulnoun
the quantity contained in a basket
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
basketsnounUS /ˈbæskəts/
plural of “basket” — a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
a game played with playing cards
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
give encouragement to
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
Cottagers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
decidedlyadverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli/
without question and beyond doubt
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
distributeverbUS /dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/
administer or bestow, as in small portions
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
enjoyableadjectiveUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪəbəl/
affording satisfaction or pleasure
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
divisible by two
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
set up or found
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
gayety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
genuineadjectiveUS /ˈdʒenjəwən/
not fake or counterfeit
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
giftsnounUS /ɡɪfts/
plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
a young female
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
hollynounUS /ˈhɑːli/
any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
indulgedverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒd/
past form of “indulge” — give free rein to
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
Lakeville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
a particular point in time
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
neighbornounUS /ˈneɪbər/
a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
neighborsnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
many times at short intervals
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
packagenounUS /ˈpækədʒ/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
parcelsnounUS /ˈpɑːrsəlz/
plural of “parcel” — a wrapped container
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
a human being
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
ribbonnounUS /ˈrɪbən/
any long object resembling a thin line
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
sallying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
act as a barrier between; stand between
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
sprigs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The moment that marked this real beginning of Christmas found each person with gifts for her neighbor sallying forth with a great basketful of parcels on her arm.
bound or secured closely
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
tissuenounUS /ˈtɪsjuː/
part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
traveledadjectiveUS /ˈtrævəld/
traveled over or through; sometimes used as a combining term
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
twenty-fourthadjective
coming next after the twenty-third in position
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading If one had a great many friends and neighbors it often took until ten o'clock at night to distribute all one's gifts.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
precisely as stated
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
a Caucasian
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading As each package was wrapped in white tissue paper, tied with ribbon and further adorned with sprigs of holly or gay Christmas cards, these Christmas baskets were decidedly attractive; and the streets of Lakeville, from four to ten, were certain to be full of gayety and genuine Christmas cheer.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading On all other days of the year, the Cottagers traveled together; but on this occasion each girl was an entirely separate person.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
From this reading Christmas Eve IN Lakeville, Christmas always began at exactly four o'clock the afternoon of the twenty-fourth; for the young people of that little town--even the very old young people with gray hair and youthful eyes--always indulged in an unusual and extremely enjoyable custom.
