Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

later than; following

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

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

From this reading I wondered why, and immediately received an extinguishing blow.

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

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Any attempt to speculate pitched me back into darkness.

move towards

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Any attempt to speculate pitched me back into darkness.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Any attempt to speculate pitched me back into darkness.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

exhale hard

From this reading I wondered why, and immediately received an extinguishing blow.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

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

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

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

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

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

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Any attempt to speculate pitched me back into darkness.

with determination; in a determined manner

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

very small

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning

From this reading I wondered why, and immediately received an extinguishing blow.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

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

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

plural of “fathom” — a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

endowed with talent or talents

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

a laborer who moves from place to place as demanded by employment

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

destroyed or killed

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

feel about uncertainly or blindly

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

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

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

an upward movement (especially a rhythmical rising and falling)

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

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

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

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

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading I wondered why, and immediately received an extinguishing blow.

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

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

cause to arise

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Any attempt to speculate pitched me back into darkness.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

take somebody somewhere

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Any attempt to speculate pitched me back into darkness.

a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

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

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

plural of “pillow” — a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

(of sound) set to a certain pitch or key; usually used as a combining form

From this reading Any attempt to speculate pitched me back into darkness.

characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading I wondered why, and immediately received an extinguishing blow.

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

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

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

uttered with a trill

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

express in words

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

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

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

the act of closing something

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

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

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading Any attempt to speculate pitched me back into darkness.

(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

closely encircling

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

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

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then came a series of climbings and fallings, risings to the surface and sinkings fathoms below.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

fitting snugly

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

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

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

superlative of “warm” — having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

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

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

at the time that

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

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

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

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

From this reading Gifted with a pair of enormous eyes, which threw surrounding objects to a distance of a mile away, I could not induce the diminutive things to approach; and shutting eyes led to such a rolling of mountains in my brain, that, terrified by the gigantic revolution, I lay determinedly staring; clothed, it seemed positive, in a tight-fitting suit of sheet- lead; but why?

in the company of; together with

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading AMONG GIPSY WOMEN I cannot say how long it was after my senses had gone when I began to grope for them on the warmest of heaving soft pillows, and lost the slight hold I had on them with the effort.

past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something

From this reading I wondered why, and immediately received an extinguishing blow.