Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

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

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

acquired as your own by free choice

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

a feeling of delight at being entertained

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

causing irritation or annoyance

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

any person at all

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

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

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

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

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

From this reading Of course Florio was compelled to do her bidding.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

a young person of either sex

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

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

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

giving a Christian name at baptism

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading Of course Florio was compelled to do her bidding.

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course Florio was compelled to do her bidding.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

-ing form of “dispute” — take exception to

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Of course Florio was compelled to do her bidding.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

divisible by two

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

English lexicographer remembered for his Italian and English dictionary (1553-1625)

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

set up or found

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

any woman who serves as a sponsor for a child at baptism

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

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

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

an ugly evil-looking old woman

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

evoking or deserving hatred

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

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

From this reading Of course Florio was compelled to do her bidding.

grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

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

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

not causing anger or annoyance

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

an occurrence of something

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

as might be expected

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

disregarded

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

not any; not one

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

-ing form of “obey” — be obedient to

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

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

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

on one occasion

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

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

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

plural of “pastime” — a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

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

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

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

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

the process of becoming spoiled

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

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

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

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

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

a source of difficulty

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

causing an emotional disturbance

From this reading For instance, the witch--who was known by the name of Fussioldfuri, and lived in a miserable cavern when she was not travelling about--had great delight in spoiling any one's innocent amusement or upsetting his or her plans; she even started children quarrelling and disputing; indeed, she found this one of her particular pastimes when she was not engaged in annoying older people.

an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)

From this reading Naturally inoffensive and gentle, he was continually obliged to do violence to his conscience by obeying the witch.

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

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

at the time that

From this reading He might have had a fairy godmother if anybody had remembered to ask one to the christening, but as no one took enough interest in him for that, it was neglected, and poor Florio became the property of a hideous, hateful old hag, who was never so happy as when she was making trouble.

which person or people

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.

a female sorcerer or magician

From this reading There was once a child named Florio, who had neither father nor mother, uncle nor aunt, and so it happened that he was adopted by a witch.